January/February
2001
Along
the Road
Along
the Road is the place to look for information about current and upcoming
activities, developments, trends, and items of general interest to
the highway community. This information comes from Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) sources unless otherwise indicated. Your suggestions
and input are welcome. Let's meet along the road.
Policy
and Legislation
Senate
and House Pass Transportation Appropriations Legislation
In October 2000, the Senate and House passed the fiscal year 2001
Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides
a record $58.5 billion for transportation programs.
The act contains many important safety provisions. These include a
measure that enables the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to
proceed with all stages of rulemaking ¾ short of a final rule
¾ on "hours of service," which concerns the amount
of time drivers of large interstate trucks and buses can spend behind
the wheel. It also permits DOT to move forward with a proposal for
rollover ratings on cars and light trucks while the National Academy
of Sciences studies this issue. In addition, the act contains funding
increases requested by the administration in the area of pipeline
safety and to enhance the defect investigation program.
This legislation funds Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal
Highway Administration programs at record levels. It includes $2.66
billion to support FAA's capital modernization program and $600 million
for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. It will also provide $521 million for
capital grants to Amtrak, enabling investment in passenger rail service
in America, and $4.5 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard, including funding
for the Deepwater program. The latter will enable DOT to continue
efforts to modernize the vessels and aircraft that monitor the high
seas, many of which are approaching the end of their service lives.
FMCSA
Will Participate in ITDS Pilot Program
DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will participate
in the International Trade Data System (ITDS) at federal ports of
entry in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2001. FMCSA signed an inter-agency agreement
with the ITDS board of directors in October 2000.
The pilot program in Buffalo will be the first deployment of ITDS,
an integrated government-wide system for the electronic collection,
use, and dissemination of international trade transaction data. Essentially,
ITDS interfaces with government agency systems and provides for advanced
filing by traders and motor carriers so that federal agencies can
pre-clear cargo, conveyance, and crew before they arrive at a border
crossing.
When fully developed over the next five to six years, ITDS will be
the public and inter-agency interface for all international trade
and transportation transactions for the movement of cargo in either
direction across U.S. borders.
The ITDS board, chaired by the U.S. International Trade Commission
and composed of federal agencies with significant responsibilities
for the collection, analysis, or policy formulation of trade data,
is directing the project. The U.S. Customs Service is coordinating
the development of the required computer system.
In addition to FMCSA and the U.S. Customs Service, the Immigration
and Naturalization Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and
the trade and transportation communities are expected to participate
in this initial pilot program in Buffalo.
New
Standard Requires Internal Trunk Releases on Cars
Former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater
announced that effective Sept. 1, 2001, a new federal motor vehicle
safety standard will require all passenger cars with trunks to have
a release or other automatic system inside to allow children or adults
to escape.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) new standard
adopts the approach recommended by the Expert Panel on Trunk Entrapment,
established by NHTSA in November 1998. The panel, chaired by Dr. Heather
Paul of the Safe Kids Campaign, included experts on child psychology
and behavior and representatives of safety advocacy, automotive engineering,
vehicle manufacturing, law enforcement, medical, and other groups.
New
Safety Standard Set for Electric Vehicles
DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a new
federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) to prevent deaths or
injuries when an electric vehicle is involved in a crash.
The new standard, FMVSS No. 305, "Electric-Powered Vehicles:
Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection," will be
effective Oct. 1, 2001. It applies to all vehicles that use more than
48 volts of electricity as propulsion power and that have a maximum
speed of more than 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour). However,
it will not apply to electric vehicles with a gross vehicle weight
rating of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms).
Standard No. 305 specifies requirements for limitation of hazardous
electrolyte spillage, for the retention of propulsion batteries during
a crash so that they do not intrude into the passenger compartment,
and for the isolation of the chassis from the high-voltage system
to prevent electrical shock. Tests to demonstrate compliance can be
combined with other crash tests.
Congress
Provides ITS Funds for FY 2001
Congress passed and former President Bill Clinton signed a $58 billion
annual spending bill for DOT that includes $268 million for dedicated
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) programs plus more than $10
billion that can be used for ITS projects at the discretion of state
and local governments.
Of the $268 million, $100 million is for ITS research projects, including
$30 million for the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) Program.
Another $118 million is for ITS deployment projects and is earmarked
for particular geographic areas.
The measure also provides $50 million to deploy an intelligent transportation
infrastructure system in up to 40 metropolitan areas each with a population
exceeding 300,000. These funds were included in Section 5117, the
Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration Program.
¾ ITS America
Management
and Administration
DOT
Presents New Strategic Plan for 2000-2005
On Sept. 7, 2000, former Secretary Slater presented DOT's Strategic
Plan for fiscal years 2000-2005.
The plan establishes six strategic goals that reflect and balance
the complexities of the nation's transportation enterprise in the
areas of safety, mobility, economic growth, human and natural environment,
national security, and organizational excellence. These strategic
goals sharpen the focus of DOT's mission ¾ to serve the United
States by ensuring a safe transportation system that furthers vital
national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American
people.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), however, will continue
to operate under the goals and objectives that are outlined in the
1998 FHWA National Strategic Plan, which remains the agency=s Ablueprint@
for establishing priorities and operational direction. A recent review
and evaluation of both the 1998 FHWA Strategic Plan and the new DOT
Strategic Plan revealed that, overall, the strategic goals and objectives
contained within both plans were in substantial alignment. At this
time, FHWA has no plan to immediately develop a new strategic plan
although it will be considered during the next year.
You can see the text of the DOT Strategic Plan 2000-2005 at www.dot.gov.
Technical
News
Transit
Web Site Database Announced
The ITS Joint Program Office has announced the availability of the
transit Web site database, transitweb.volpe.dot.gov, developed by
research staff at the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.
The database catalogues more than 600 transit agencies that provide
static and/or dynamic transit information to riders via the Internet.
The purpose of the Web site is to allow transit agencies that are
considering setting up their own Web site to see what their peers
in similar communities have done.
For more information concerning the database or ongoing research to
assist transit agency Web site development, contact Sari Radin at
the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, (617) 494-2209.
FDOT
Develops Electronic File Method for Securing Plans
Combining ancient technology - "ink pen and embossing seal"
¾ with the latest computer technology - "electronic signature"
- the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has developed an
engineering board-approved method for securing engineering plans in
electronic files. FDOT can use these signed and sealed electronic
files as the legally binding documents for lettings, construction,
and as-built plans.
The Florida Board of Professional Engineers, a licensing board that
regulates the practice of engineering in the state, very carefully
controls the use of engineering seals. The board extended its rule
for signing and sealing engineering plans to include the use of electronic
signatures to secure electronic files. This process did not require
the board to modify how it manages engineer licensing.
This innovative technique, which is the first of its kind in the world,
still relies on signing and sealing by an engineer, but what the engineer
signs and seals now is a single sheet of paper that contains a computer-generated
numerical code ¾ the electronic signature ¾ that cannot
be forged and can be used later to authenticate the drawings and plans
that are electronically delivered. The engineer's signature and seal
on the paper secures this electronic signature, which secures all
the engineering plans in the electronic files.
A federal testing laboratory that reviews security software, including
cryptographic programs, for the U.S. government has approved the program
that generates the electronic signatures.
FDOT received help from the State Technology Office and assistance
from other state and private groups, which supported development,
provided legal and technical assistance, and helped get the engineering
board to review and approve the computer-based approach.
The electronic signing and sealing process developed by FDOT and approved
by the engineering board has also been approved by the state licensing
boards that oversee architects, geologists, and surveyors. To date,
no other state has approved a secure method of managing electronic
copies of engineering documents. Several other states have expressed
an interest in this innovative approach. This new process will also
benefit engineers that develop plans for the state.
After approval by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, the
new Florida method has been tested and certified and the first set
of electronic engineering plans has been delivered on CD-ROM. The
first set of electronically signed and sealed engineering plans, developed
by Reynolds, Smith, and Hills Inc., are for a road reconstruction
and widening project in Miami-Dade County, part of the Homestead Extension
of Florida's turnpike.
Public
Information and Information Exchange
$73
Million for Welfare-to-Work Transportation
Seventy-three million dollars in funds from the Job Access and Reverse
Commute Program will help former welfare recipients and others needing
entry-level jobs get to and from jobs.
The program, which includes 216 transit projects in 39 states and
the District of Columbia, is an innovative approach to providing transportation
for those who need it. The program brings together transit providers,
community organizers, planners, and others committed to making the
welfare reform initiative work.
The Job Access and Reverse Commute Program, which is administered
by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration,
supports agencies all over the country as they help welfare recipients
make the transition to employment and independence and as they help
others who need entry-level jobs find and retain work.
Projects will include new bus or van service, extended bus routes,
expanded service hours, or door-to-door service to accommodate shift
and weekend workers and workers with non-traditional working hours.
They also will include linking workers to jobs near child care and
transit facilities, trip mapping, carpooling and van pooling, employer
subsidies, and guaranteed rides home in emergency situations.
ASCE
Announces Two New Institutes
Two new institutes chartered by the American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE) offer a full range of services to professionals practicing
in the construction and coast/ocean/port/river industries. The Construction
Institute (CI) and the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute
(COPRI), like other ASCE institutes, seek to address the growing specialization
within the civil engineering field, as well as its increasingly multidisciplinary
nature.
CI incorporates the former ASCE Construction Division, which celebrated
its 75th anniversary in 2000, as well as the ASCE Materials Division.
In addition to 11,000 ASCE members who have selected construction
or materials as their primary technical affiliation, CI membership
is also open to individuals involved in designing, building, or teaching
construction and to those who work for equipment and materials suppliers;
testing laboratories; and bonding, insurance, or legal firms.
CI offers members the opportunity to network with other professionals,
sharpen skills, and shape the future of the field by participating
in technical activities, conferences, and the development of standards
and manuals. Members will receive discounts on CI journals and other
publications, conferences, and continuing education courses.
CI and COPRI join four other ASCE institutes: the Geo-Institute, the
Structural Engineering Institute, the Architectural Engineering Institute,
and the Environmental Water Resources Institute. A transportation
institute is under development. The institutes are based at the ASCE
world headquarters in Reston, Va.
- American Society of Civil Engineers
DOT
Announces Land Transfer for California Bridge
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) used authority available
to them under federal law to transfer land from the U.S. Navy to the
state of California. The land is needed for building a new eastern
span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The new span is needed
to withstand earthquakes and provide a Alifeline@ facility between
Oakland and San Francisco in the event of a major earthquake.
The Navy owns land on Yerba Buena Island that will be needed for the
proposed construction. The Federal Highway Administration notified
the Navy that it was transferring the land from the Navy to the state
of California based on a longstanding provision in federal law that
permits federal land transfers for the Interstate Highway System.
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is on the Interstate system.
The land is needed under various design and location alternatives
for the new span. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a study
in October 2000 on the design selected by the California Department
of Transportation, which called for a northern alignment location
of the new span. On Sept. 22, 2000, in an Interim Final Report, the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concluded, "A replacement alternative
is the path that most quickly resolves the exposure of the public
to the seismic vulnerabilities of the existing structure."
Minority
and Women Entrepreneurs Honored During DOT Awards Ceremony
Minority and women entrepreneurs who have had significant achievements
and made vital contributions to the transportation industry and the
nation's economy were honored at a U.S. DOT Minority Enterprise Development
(MED) Week Awards Ceremony.
The DOT Awards Ceremony was part of the 18th annual national observance
of the MED Week Conference, which was celebrated Sept. 24-27, 2000.
The theme for MED Week was "New Horizons: The Emerging Minority
Marketplace." Former Secretary Slater noted that DOT has exceeded
its goals for contract awards to minority-owned businesses for each
of the last three years. In 1999, 17.9 percent of DOT contracts went
to minority-owned businesses, up from 17 percent the previous year,
and well above the department's goal of 14.5 percent. In addition,
more DOT contracts are being awarded to businesses owned by women
than ever before.
Memorandum
of Cooperation Signed by Former Secretary Slater
Former Secretary Slater announced an agreement with the government
of Mexico that will enhance both nations' statistical capabilities
and promote improved transportation statistics and analysis.
The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by Slater and Secretary Carlos
Ruiz Sacristan of the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation
of Mexico. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) will be the
lead agency in DOT on statistical exchanges with Mexico.
The agreement creates a Joint Working Group. The two agencies are
interested in cooperating through the exchange of experience in technical
and scientific areas, exchange of observers and staff, and coordination
and planning to further ongoing work in the area of North American
transportation statistics and related initiatives.
Utah
Receives $26 Million for 2002 Winter Olympics
Utah will receive grants totaling $26 million in DOT funds for 2002
Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games transportation projects.
During the Olympic Games, spectators will use a variety of intermodal
mass transit options to get to competition venues in the Salt Lake
City area. For events scheduled in the mountains, spectators will
drive to park-and-ride lots located within eight kilometers (five
miles) of the venues, and a transit shuttle system will transport
them to competition sites. For competitions in the valley, spectators
will use a variety of mass transit options, including light rail,
buses, and park-and-walk lots.
Projects funded under the $13 million Federal Transit Administration
combined grants include expenses for additional buses and light-rail
vehicles to supplement existing transit service in Utah, construction
of the Olympic Loop Busway at Snowbasin Ski Resort, park-and-ride
lots, walk-and-ride lots, and other facilities that form the Olympic
transit shuttle system.
Utah will also receive $12.9 million in discretionary funds from the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These grants include $8 million
for the widening of I-15, a vital link in the Salt Lake City region,
and $1.9 million for improvements to roads that access Wasatch Mountain
State Park and the widening of Soldier Hollow Road, an important access
road to cross-country skiing and biathlon venues.
Additional projects funded under FHWA grants include nearly $2 million
for two intelligent transportation systems, $469,750 for the Utah-Colorado
"Isolated Empire" rail connector planning study, $400,000
in corridor planning funds, $75,000 for three projects in the Scenic
Byways Program, and $68,500 under the Innovative Bridge Research and
Construction Program.
PNGV
Keeps Funding Level Despite Battle
The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) has survived
an attempt at substantial cuts by a congressional alliance of both
parties.
PNGV funding for 2001 is included in the final U.S. Department of
Interior appropriations bill and, after a struggle, now reflects a
level equivalent to last year's. The partnership is intended to support
fuel economy improvements without sacrificing vehicle power, safety,
or air quality.
Much of the program's funding had been gutted in June after House
members voted to remove more than $125 million of U.S. Department
of Energy support. An unlikely alliance of conservative members objecting
to "corporate welfare" and liberal members critical of the
program's emphasis on diesel technology pushed the effort to curtail
PNGV.
With funding restored, the program's target of vehicle delivery by
2004 may still have life. The initial prototype is expected to be
a diesel/electric hybrid. While many environmental advocates are still
disappointed with the focus on diesel technology, other elements of
the program, such as lightweight materials research and fuel cell
development, get high marks from the environmental community.
Civis
Bus Brings Las Vegas Back to the Future
In April 2002, North Las Vegas will test a French-made, electric-powered
bus along the northern section of Las Vegas Boulevard. Federal transportation
funds and some state and local funds will be used to pay for the $4.5
million test project.
|
The
French-made Civis bus will be tested in North Las Vegas in 2002.
|
The
Civis bus, which is also equipped with an optimal guidance system, looks
and operates more like a train or monorail than a conventional bus.
It has a low floor, allowing passengers to step from the bus platform
directly into the vehicle, and it provides easier access for wheelchair
users.
Like a train, passengers will be able to board the bus through several
doors using prepaid tickets. This is expected to cut down on the length
of time spent at each stop.
Civis will have a driver, but will run in its own lane, steered by the
optical guidance system. A camera behind the windshield will read marks
on the road that trace the route. If the bus strays from the marks,
the sensor will automatically steer the vehicle back on course.
The designated lane isn't the only feature that will speed the bus through
traffic. It will also include a device that extends a green light when
the bus approaches an intersection, similar to devices used by emergency
vehicles.
Officials expect that these advantages over regular buses will increase
ridership, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality.
The transportation commission will buy five buses, and if the project
is a success, it will extend the service.
- Las Vegas Review Journal
Florida's
Road Rangers to the Rescue
Looking for new ways to handle car breakdowns and accidents that can
bring traffic to a standstill, the Florida Department of Transportation
will expand a program in which mechanics constantly patrol major highways,
on the lookout for stranded motorists.
The state has budgeted $468,000 a year to start the program in Jacksonville,
part of a statewide expansion of Road Rangers to all of Florida's
biggest cities. In Jacksonville, the state wants to start the program
with six trucks patrolling four major thoroughfares: Interstate 295,
Interstate 10 from I-295 to the Fuller Warren Bridge, Interstate 95
from Airport Road to I-295, and Butler Boulevard.
South Florida already has Road Rangers service that operates around
the clock, seven days a week. In Jacksonville, the state wants service
from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
The Road Rangers, who will perform services such as changing a flat
tire, putting gas in a car, or giving a battery a jump start, will
move cars to the side of the highway and take up to 15 minutes to
make any basic repairs. Road Rangers will provide this assistance
free of charge. If more extensive repairs are needed, the motorist
will still need to call a private wrecker service to be towed. The
Road Rangers will have cellular telephones, allowing motorists to
make two local calls.
A Road Ranger should arrive on the scene within 20 minutes; however,
a motorist may call the Florida Highway Patrol, which will be in communication
with the Road Rangers.
- The Florida Times-Union
States
Get $200 Million in Discretionary Funds
Two hundred million dollars in FHWA discretionary funds were granted
for 401 infrastructure projects in 49 states, the District of Columbia,
and Puerto Rico.
Grants were provided to the states in six categories. The categories,
number of grants and total amount provided are:
- Public lands highways, 71 grants in 36 states and the District of
Columbia, $72.4 million.
- Transportation and Community and System Preservation (TCSP) pilot
program, 80 grants in 34 states, $47 million.
- Ferry boats and terminals, 25 grants in 22 states, $34.8 million.
- Scenic byways, 142 grants in 41 states and Puerto Rico, $20.5 million.
- Innovative Bridge Research and Construction Program, 58 grants in
37 states and Puerto Rico, $18.3 million.
- Historic covered bridges, 25 grants in 14 states, $7 million.
Public
lands highways grants provide funds for the construction of highways
on public lands such as national parks.
TCSP is an initiative that will assist communities as they work to
solve interrelated problems involving transportation, land development,
environmental protection, public safety, and economic development.
Ferry boat grants provide funds to facilitate movement of people and
goods across inland and coastal waterways.
Scenic byways are outstanding roads through areas recognized for their
special historic, cultural, natural, or other qualities. Under the
National Scenic Byways Program, the states use the funds to develop
and implement corridor management plans; construct scenic byways facilities
(such as overlooks, interpretative centers, signs, and exhibits);
develop interpretative brochures, maps, and information; and promote
scenic byways.
The Innovative Bridge Research and Construction Program provides funds
to help states and municipalities incorporate innovative materials
and materials technologies into their bridge projects. The new Historic
Covered Bridge Preservation Program provides funds to states for preservation,
rehabilitation, or restoration of historic covered bridges.
FHWA discretionary funds are made available upon selection by the
secretary of transportation. States must request funds for projects
that meet criteria established by federal law and DOT regulations
and procedures. Congress also makes decisions on some grants.
Highway
Honors "Mother of Civil Rights Movement"
During the 2000 legislative session, the Missouri Legislature passed
a bill, sponsored by state Sen. William Clay and state Rep. Russell
Gunn, to name a 1.82-kilometer (1.13-mile) stretch of Interstate 55,
south of downtown St. Louis, as the "Rosa Parks Highway."
The late Governor Mel Carnahan signed the bill into law on May 30,
2000.
Rosa Parks, often called the "mother of the civil rights movement,"
is best known for her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated
Montgomery, Ala., bus in December 1955. Her subsequent arrest was
the catalyst for the year-long Montgomery bus boycott, the first victory
in the growing civil rights movement.
Secretary Slater joined Sen. Clay and Rep. Gunn, government officials,
state highway personnel, and community and religious leaders in unveiling
the new signs that will mark the highway.
NHTSA
Publishes List of Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released
a list of September 2000 motor vehicle and equipment safety recalls.
The release, NHTSA 50-00, identifies the make and model of the vehicles
and equipment involved, with a brief description of each safety problem.
The list can be obtained by calling NHTSA's Office of Public and Consumer
Affairs at (202) 366-9550, or by visiting NHTSA's Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.
FHWA
and RSF Sponsor National Roadway Safety Leadership Awards
FHWA and the Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF) are sponsoring the fourth
biennial 2001 National Roadway Safety Leadership Awards, which
will recognize roadway safety excellence by state, local, and federal
agencies and the private sector.
The awards will be given in three categories: safety improvements;
operational improvements; and program planning, development, and evaluation.
Entry forms for the awards program may be obtained from FHWA or RSF
and should be submitted by April 16, 2001. For further information
contact the FHWA Office of Safety at (202) 366-1795, or contact the
Roadway Safety Foundation, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20036, (202) 857-1200.
Personnel
Mineta Sworn in as 14th U.S. Transportation Secretary
Norman Y. Mineta was sworn in as the 14th U.S. Secretary of Transportation,
following a unanimous confirmation by the U.S.Senate.
On January 24, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
approved Mineta's nomination and sent it forward for unanimous approval
by the entire U.S Senate even before Mineta's confirmation hearing
concluded.
At his confirmation hearing, Mineta said transportation challenges
facing the department include guaranteeing the safety of the traveling
public, closing the gap between the demand for transportation and
the capacity of the transportation infrastructure, applying new technology
to complex real-world transportation problems and keeping the protective
function of the U.S. Coast Guard up to its law enforcement task.
Prior to joining President Bush's administration as U.S. Secretary
of Transportation, Mineta served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under
President Clinton, becoming the first Asian Pacific American to serve
in the cabinet. He became the first Secretary of Transportation to
have served in a cabinet position. Prior to joining the Commerce Department,
he was a vice president at Lockheed Martin Corporation.
From 1975 to 1995 he served as a member of U.S. House of Representatives,
representing the heart of California's Silicon Valley. He co-founded
the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and served as its
first chair. Mineta also served as chairman of the House Public Works
and Transportation Committee between 1992 and 1994. He chaired the
committee's aviation subcommittee between 1981 and 1988, and its Surface
Transportation Subcommittee from 1989 to 1991.
ASCE
Names Assistant Executive Director
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the oldest national
engineering society in the United States, named nationally recognized
civil and geotechnical engineer Lawrence H. Roth as assistant executive
director and chief operating officer.
A fellow of ASCE, Roth has held the highest national office for both
the Association of Engineering Firms Practicing in the Geosciences
and for the ASCE Geo-Institute, which he helped found. For his accomplishments
and contributions to ASCE and to the profession, Roth received the
1998 ASCE President's Medal. In October 2000, he received the prestigious
Distinguished Service Citation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
College of Engineering, his alma mater.
During his career, Roth has contributed to several high-profile projects,
including the seismic retrofitting of the Golden Gate Bridge, the
environmental review of a major Chilean copper mine, and the preliminary
design of new offshore runways for San Francisco International Airport.
Miller
Promoted to Division Administrator
Philip Miller was promoted to division administrator in Cheyenne,
Wyo. Miller previously served as assistant division administrator
in St. Paul, Minn. In the past, he held several other key positions
in FHWA, such as director, Office of Planning and Program Development
in the former Region 5 Regional Office at Olympia Fields, Ill., and
district engineer in the Kansas Division. Miller has been with FHWA
for 27 years and is a graduate of the Highway Engineer Training Program.
Hamby
Selected for SES Position
Gary N. Hamby was selected for advancement into the Senior Executive
Service (SES) position of director of field services-- - West, effective
Oct. 22, 2000. The director of field services - West serves as an
extension of the Office of the Executive Director, Federal Highway
Administration. His duties include assisting the executive director
in the leadership of the federal-aid field offices and providing administrative
supervision of division administrators and the manager of the Western
Resource Center.
Hamby had been serving as acting director of field services - West
since July 2000. His previous position was manager of the Western
Resource Center. Prior to joining the western resource center, he
worked at FHWA headquarters as the chief, State Programs Division,
National Highway Institute. Hamby also served in other field positions,
such as division administrator in Connecticut and in New Jersey and
deputy regional federal highway administrator in the former Region
4 Regional Office in Atlanta, Ga. He began his career as a highway
engineer trainee in 1969.
Other
Articles in this Issue:
Learning
to Beat Snow and Ice
Safe
Plowing - Applying Intelligent Vehicle Technology
Improving
Roadside Safety by Computer Simulation
Using
the Computer and DYNA3D to save lives
LS-DYNA:
A Computer Modeling Success Story
Preservation
of Wetlands on the Federal-Aid Highway System
Internal
FHWA Partnership Leverages Technology and Innovation
New
Applications Make NDGPS More Pervasive
Center
for Excellence in Advanced Traffic and Logistics Algorithms and Systems
(ATLAS)
National
Work Zone Awareness Week (April 9 to 12) - Enhancing Safety and Mobility
in Work Zones